A Scottish hotel chef got the surprise of her career when Paul Hollywood sampled her millionaire’s shortbread and rewarded it with his famous handshake.
Caroline Stewart has been pastry chef at the Inverkip Hotel in Inverclyde for more than 20 years, producing the cakes, traybakes and other sweet treats served to guests.
The Great British Bake Off judge was staying at the hotel with a television crew on Wednesday, 7 October, while filming in the area.
Hollywood and members of the crew were having drinks in the bar when he spotted some of the hotel’s home baking. Caroline was in the middle of a busy lunch service when she discovered one of Britain’s best-known bakers was in the building.
A huge Bake Off fan, she decided she could not let the opportunity pass without meeting him. After Hollywood heard about Caroline’s baking, he offered to judge one of her creations.
She chose her millionaire’s shortbread and presented a slice to the famously exacting Bake Off judge. Caroline told STV News: “It was quite nerve-racking to be honest, I felt like a contestant on Bake Off.”
Hollywood took a bite and left her waiting for his verdict before extending his hand and giving her the coveted Hollywood handshake. He told Caroline that the ratios between the three layers were “perfect”.
She said receiving the unexpected seal of approval was the “highlight” of her career.
The recipe itself has a strong family connection. Caroline said it has been passed down through generations, with her mother and grandmother both keen bakers. Her daughter has also continued the family tradition.
Caroline has spent two decades working at the Inverkip Hotel and is responsible for its in-house baking.
She particularly enjoys making traditional cakes and traybakes, with homemade shortbread also featuring on the hotel’s menus.
Hollywood’s handshake has become one of the most recognisable features of The Great British Bake Off. The judge has previously explained that it was never conceived as a deliberate part of the programme and began simply as his way of recognising an exceptionally good bake.
It has since become one of the show’s most sought-after accolades, normally reserved for contestants who particularly impress him in the Bake Off tent.
For Caroline, earning one unexpectedly during an ordinary shift at a Scottish hotel made the moment even more memorable.